The Queen's lifelong passion for horses is shared by many members of the Royal family through racing, polo, three-day eventing and carriage driving. In 2014, The Royal Borough offers visitors 10 memorable ways to celebrate the Year of the Horse, whether as spectators or participants.  

1. Racing at Ascot
Synonymous with quality, style and excellence, Ascot welcomes over 500,000 racegoers a year, accounting for 10% of all UK racegoers. Five-day Royal Ascot is Britain's most popular race meeting with over 285,000 visitors. It takes place the third week in June and is steeped in tradition and pageantry. Queen Anne established the first racing at Ascot in 1711. Ascot Racecourse also hosts jumps meetings from November to April.
Did you know? Stewards wearing bowler hats is one of the endearing and defining sights of Ascot however the dress instruction met with near mutiny when introduced in the late 1950s. The trustees had to give pay rises at the time to prevent strike action.

2. Racing at Royal Windsor
A fabulous island location set in 165 acres of beautiful countryside on the banks of the River Thames, overlooked by Windsor Castle. Flat racing takes place from April to October with regular Monday evening fixtures and themed nights during the summer. You can even arrive by boat.
Did you know? Royal Windsor is one of only two figure-of-eight courses in the United Kingdom, the other is Fontwell Park.

3. Watching Polo
Polo features heavily in the borough's sporting calendar at local clubs Guards Polo, Ascot Park, the Royal County of Berkshire and Coworth Park.  The fixture list usually runs from April to September.
The Royal Borough hosts polo matches at Smith Lawns, The Royal Berkshire and Coworth Park featuring the world's top professionals and plenty of opportunities to take part in half time 'divot stamping'. Field polo originated in Persia and evolved into a cavalry training game for up to 100 riders a side. Modern day games require two teams of four players covering a grass field 240m long and 160m wide. There are 4 to 6 'chukkas' in a match and each one lasts for 7 minutes of actual play. There is no offside and teams change direction after each goal. 
Did you know? Polo must be played right-handed. 

4. Walking to The Copper Horse
There are three equestrian statues erected in Windsor Great Park. At the southern end of the Long Walk on top of Snow Hill is the Copper Horse, a statue depicting King George III as Roman Emperor, hence no stirrups. The second statue depicts Prince Albert, and overlooks Smiths Lawn. The third shows Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on horseback and sits at the southern end of Queen Anne's ride. Commissioned to commemorate her Golden Jubilee, the artist was Phillip Jackson. 

Did you know?  The Copper Horse was made of 25 tons of melted brass cannons and 16 workmen squeezed inside it to eat bread and cheese and sing 'God Save The King'.



5. Riding in a Carriage
Experience the Royal Borough from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage.  Two companies operate rides: Orchard Poyle covering Windsor town centre/The Long Walk and Ascot Carriages in Windsor Great Park from The Savill Garden.  Both companies provide carry knee rugs & umbrellas in case of chilly weather or showers and offer rides of 30 minutes to 90 minutes duration. 
Did you know? The carriages frequently star in private events like romantic proposals, weddings and filming.

6. Visiting Smith's Lawn 
With 12 grounds, Smith's Lawn is Europe's largest area dedicated to playing polo. The Light Cavalry supply mounted and dismounted guards at matches held during summer months. In summer months polo chukkas take place most days on Smith's Lawn in Windsor Great Park (April - September only). National and International teams compete with their entourage of ponies (never horses!)
Did you know? With 12 grounds, Smith's Lawn in Windsor Great Park is Europe's largest area dedicated to playing polo?

7. Attending Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park
Playing members of Guards Polo Academy and guests of Coworth Park have the opportunity to learn and train with Andrew Hine, one of the most experienced players of the game. Andrew's team, which includes several leading polo coaches, offer the highest polo tuition to members of Guards Polo Club and will also introduce the sport of polo to non-players through the Academy's corporate and private leisure polo days and experiences.
Did you know?  Coworth Park is the only hotel in the UK that provides its own polo fields and practice facilities.

8. Enjoing Royal Windsor Horse Show  Wed 14 - Sun 18 May 2014
The UK's biggest outdoor horse show involves 3,000 competing horses for International Carriage Driving, Showing, Equestrian Displays, International Endurance and first class Jumping. Set in the private grounds of Windsor Castle, the event and includes arena displays and activities and is patronised by Her Majesty The Queen.
Did you know: An annual highlight is the Shetland Pony Grand National? 

9. Attending Cartier Queens Cup Polo  Sun 15 June 2014
Guards' polo club at Smith's Lawn hosts one of the world's greatest spectator polo days and is a 'must' in the UK social event calendar where English society and royalty mix with Hollywood film stars and global music icons. The Cartier Queen's Cup attracts the sport's leading players from across the globe and the team sheet always reads like a Who's Who of polo.
Did you know? When the Queen attends Guards Club the Royal Standard flies from the top of the pavilion.

10. Attending Royal Ascot  Tues 17 - Sat 21 June 2014
Few sporting venues match the 250 year heritage and history of Ascot Racecourse. Tradition, pageantry, fashion and style place Royal Ascot at the centre of the British social calendar and, with £4.5 million in prize money as stake, the ultimate stage for the world's best racehorses. Each day The Royal Procession makes its way from the Golden Gates, along the racecourse and into the Parade Ring. The first race of six each day is at 2.30pm and the last race is at 5.35pm, after which racegoers celebrate their winnings singing around the bandstand.
Did you know? Each day the bookmakers take bets on the colour of the Queen's hat?


More information about Windsor and the Royal Borough is available at www.windsor.gov.uk

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Copyright free high resolution images are available for use at www.windsor.gov.uk/press

For further information please contact:

Jackie Ellis

Tel: 01273 622656

Email: jackie@tourism-angles.co.uk